Napolitano Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary

January 21, 2009 -- In the hours immediately following Barack Obama’s inauguration as president of the United States, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to confirm Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Her confirmation follows hearings by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at which Committee members praised her record on public safety and her commitment to working with first responders.

Napolitano has long been a strong friend and advocate of the IAFF and its members in Arizona. Her nomination and subsequent confirmation as DHS Secretary was strongly praised by IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, who personally lobbied the Senate for her confirmation.

“I can think of no one better qualified to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security than Janet Napolitano,” says Schaitberger. “Her dedication to our nation and its first responders has made her one of our country’s most effective governors and will continue to serve her well in her new role.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security includes many key agencies and programs, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the SAFER and FIRE Act grant programs, that are of critical importance to America’s fire fighters.

To read Schaitberger’s endorsement in full, click here.